Truck driver sentenced for two deaths in accident last November

A semi truck driver will serve 60 days in jail and pay a $500 fine after pleading guilty to two counts of Vehicular Manslaughter in connection with a November 8, 2016 crash that killed a Williamsburg couple.
Bradley Kinney entered a “no contest” plea to the charges on June 15 in Brown County Municipal Court before Judge Joseph Worley.
Kinney was also sentenced to one year of probation, 80 hours of community service, a two year suspension of his drivers license and a remedial driving course.
He is expected to report to the Brown County Jail on Monday, July 17.
“On behalf of Mr. Kinney, I know words can’t change what happened. This was tragic accident. There is no way we can compare what Mr. Kinney is going through to what the Harding family suffered. Mr. Kinney obviously wishes that he could replay that day with a different result, but he can’t. He’s prepared to accept his punishment,” said Bruce Wallace, Kinney’s attorney.
The crash happened on election day last year at State Route 32 and Eastwood Road. According to the Ohio Highway Patrol, Ray Harding, Jr. and Patricia Harding were heading south on Eastwood Road when they crossed State Route 32 on a green light.
Kinney ran the red light as he drove westbound on State Route 32. His semi truck struck the Chevrolet Silverado being driven by the Hardings, splitting it in half upon impact. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Regina Harding, a daughter of the couple that was killed, addressed Kinney in court.
“Due to your negligence, you killed two innocent people. I think you deserve what you get or even more,” she said.
“I know accidents happen. I know someday I’ll find it in my heart to forgive him, but as for now, no.”
Following the hearing, Harding expressed frustration with the sentence Kinney received.
“I don’t feel that it’s strong enough. They need to change the laws. A lot of people who get busted for drugs will do less than time than him. He killed two innocent people,” she said.
Brown County Prosecutor Zac Corbin said he understands the frustration felt by Harding and other family members in similar circumstances.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family. I can’t imagine the toll that this has taken on them. It’s a horrible tragedy,” Corbin said.
“Two lives were taken that day, but the law requires us to look at criminal intent. Did Mr. Kinney set out to take two lives that day? Absolutely not. He wasn’t under the influence of anything, he wasn’t texting while driving. He ran a red light. The Ohio Revised Code tells us that if such a crime results in a death it is a misdemeanor of the second degree.”
Corbin said that ultimately, his office is bound by the law.
“I fully understand that for two lives, that the sentence doesn’t seem like much. But no matter how much time Mr. Kinney serves, it’s not going to bring the victims back,” Corbin said.